Spring is almost here: the season of the first excursions with good weather and a cheerful, young sun. How do we celebrate such an event if not with a trip through our beautiful and totally under-appreciated Romania? All you need to know about Targoviste is that it really is worth visiting!
Of course, there are clear reasons that sustain our claim. And this is what we are going to talk about in the next minutes:
The capital city of Romania is Bucharest… now. But it might be important to know that, between 1396 and 1714, the title of capital city and greatest cultural, politic and military center of Muntenia was held by Targoviste.
The county capital of Dambovita, Targoviste boasts an ancient history, dating back to the Neolithic. The town was first mentioned by Bavarian crusader Johann Schiltberger in 1396, while he was traveling to fight at Nicopole.
Mircea cel Batran established his main royal residence here, restoring the Royal Court (Curtea Domneasca) – which we can visit today – and Vlad Tepes, the grandson of Mircea cel Batran, built the Chindia Tower (Turnul Chindiei).
The Chindia Tower has been standing since the 15th century and is the best known symbol of Targoviste. If you are wondering what a “chindie” is, there are two main hypotheses. Some claim the name comes from the banquets organized near the city (called “chindii”). “Chindie” is also an archaic term, meaning “twilight”. So depending on how romantic you are, you are free to choose your favorite legend.
Albeit it is a quiet and rather little town, Targoviste remains an important cultural center. In a driving tour of Targoviste, you can see all the museums and attractions in the city. Apart from the Royal Court and the Chindia Tower, we advise you to visit the History Museum, the Police Museum, the Typography Museum (opened in honor of Macarie, the first Romanian typographer who published a book in 1508 and who was born in Targoviste) and Dealu Monastery.
Hope we have convinced you!